Jun

30

NOT YET HOME

Filed Under American Patriotism, Bless Our Troops, Tears of a Warrior, Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home, Wounded Warriors | Comments Off on NOT YET HOME

by Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D

 

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A few weekends back we attended the first reunion of Wyoming Vietnam Veterans in recognition of the fifty-year anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War.  For many it was the first time they had ever been thanked or honored for their service. As with most gatherings, there were parades, activities and several inspiring guest speakers. One of the speakers, a DSC and Silver Star recipient, Lee Alley of Wheatland, Wyoming spoke of his experience. Yet the message that resonated with me was when he noted that so many of our veterans are “Not Yet Home”.  The way he could tell was simply by looking into their eyes which still held the gaze of combat.

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There have been numerous articles, books, and blogs, including ours, that refer to this condition. Merely returning home from war does not mean that the individual has forgotten all that went on during his/her time in war. Although too many civilians (and even some veterans who have never experienced combat) seem to infer that coming home means being home. What few people fully understand, including some combat veterans, is the heart and body carry the burden of war. The mind continues to hold the traumatic events and the cells of the body alert the person to any sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell that even remotely relates to the dangers faced on the battlefield. The feelings of peace and security do not yet necessarily exist just because one is back home. Memories refuse to fade and may become even more vivid. The heartache and horror of war remain raw within mind, heart, body, and soul.

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Not Yet Home is the albatross around many veterans’ souls.  Forgetting is not an option.  Trying to reintegrate into a “normal” world takes an immense amount of energy, and it is a goal that even those who have been home for over forty-plus years have not yet achieved. Living with the images, pain may be the new “normal”. What is hopeful for those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress is that with patience, support and practice a person can still live a productive, joyful life. Perhaps, Not Yet Home is the best one can achieve.

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And that may be good enough.

Jul

14

UNTIE THE YELLOW RIBBON

Filed Under WY National Guard | Comments Off on UNTIE THE YELLOW RIBBON

100_26811As a child, I remembered a biblical passage – when someone died, the Lord waited to greet him or her into the Kingdom of Heaven. If the person had lived a worthwhile, meaningful life, the Lord would say, “Welcome home my good and faithful servant.”

 On Saturday, we attended a Yellow Ribbon ceremony in Laramie, WY honoring ETT.2 National Guard Unit which had returned home after serving in Afghanistan from August 2008 until May 2009.

Of the fifteen individuals who deployed, only fourteen returned to receive their medals and celebrate with families and friends. One had paid the supreme sacrifice. Each member of the unit was called by name to accept the various medals from Governor Frudenthal and the National Guard’s top commanders. They listened to a special commendation read in their honor citing specific accomplishments while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

The speakers informed the gathering that in World War II, 12% of the population served in some capacity in the armed forces. Today, with an all volunteer military, only one third of one percent is serving. To make this clearer, the speaker noted, one would have to knock on doors of over 300 homes to finally get to one where someone is serving in the military. No wonder so many American’s have so little understanding of the sacrifice so few are giving to keep America and its citizens safe. 

Presenters also noted some of the military’s achievements over the last many years while in Afghanistan:

  •  Helping create a healthier infrastructure such as hospitals, water filtering plants, schools, etc.
  • Today, over six million children are now in school; two million are girls (girls have been forbidden by the Taliban to get an education)
  •  Over 6ooo kilometers of new roads have been constructed
  •  Healthcare is up and infant mortality is down

We were reminded how our troops are laying the groundwork for democracy in a country where running water is a rarity. Where accomplishing such a noble mission comes with a high price, both financial and human; a mission that proved again how a small group of focused, committed individuals can make a huge difference to enhance the lives of strangers in foreign lands.

It seemed to me, while listening to the speeches and special award presentations that it all could be summed up in one biblical sentence:

“Welcome home, my good and faithful soldier; your life has been meaningful and well spent.”

Let us hope we never forget the sacrifice and contributions our military men and women have made and are continuing to make to keep America free. For these fourteen families and communities, the yellow ribbons can now be untied, at least for now. And for one family, the yellow ribbon will forever be replaced with an empty chair at a table marking the high cost of service to our country.